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Connecticut native born and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut. Taylor has worked for the City of Norwalk Criminal Justice Department for a few years. She has participated in the United States Bureau of Justice Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation program serving South Norwalk, CT. Taylor is dedicated to her human services and mental health development.
She studied at the University of New Haven holding a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Investigative services, Bachelor of Arts Psychology, a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) at Southern New Hampshire University. She is the founder of Yummy Organics! |
Taylor Persons
Development Director
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Carina Pires
Sponsorship Marketing Director
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On Friday, November 8th, Foundation of Hope’s Director of Sponsorship Marketing Carina Pires was honored by Charter Oak State College with a certificate of employer appreciation, specifically, “In recognition and appreciation of your support of higher education and your leadership.”
This honor followed an interview in April of this year with Charter Oak State College's Lisa Santiago and Foundation of Hope’s Wayne Winston, Vice President of Foundation of Hope. The interview focused on both the history of Foundation of Hope and the organization’s future goals, driven by ongoing work with local community leaders throughout Connecticut. 
Both the interview and this recent recognition speak to Foundation of Hope’s presence and success as a non-profit organization, which aims to bring together charitable organizations to promote awareness on a wide range of social issues. From ecological justice, to medical assistance, disaster relief, medical assistance and humanitarian aid, Foundation of Hope works to bring together community leaders, larger charitable groups, and a dedicated team of volunteers to spread awareness and hope throughout Connecticut.
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Roy Havranek
Media Director
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Born in Venezuela, Roy Havranek is a resident of Greenwich, CT. He graduated from Manhattan College and NYU, acquiring his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Master’s degree in Computer Science. As an enthusiastic multi-disciplined engineer, he works for the Lockheed Martin RMS Corporation in Mitchel Field, NY, innovating quality solutions for emerging technologies.
At his job, he is also the community outreach lead for a Hispanic leadership employee resource group, HOLA, that embeds diversity and inclusion in the framework of company culture. He was appointed Vice President of Public Relations for Toast of the Bronx, a Toastmasters International club, cultivating effective communication skills and helping others to do the same. Passionate about his involvement with community service, he seeks out roles that utilize his professional and avocational expertise where it is most impactful. Serving as a STEAM mentor, he draws from his love for robotics, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and animation. He volunteers for the Foundation of Hope, producing digital marketing content and contributing to event planning and promotion of the non-profit organization, which caters to the underprivileged local population in Greenwich, Stamford, and Norwalk. In all affiliations and endeavors, he remains steadfast and future-oriented, always searching for progressive opportunities to make a long-lasting positive difference through his ongoing engagement with society. |
Public Relations
Besa Hoxhalli
Sponsorship Director
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Born in Albania, Besa Hoxhalli was raised in Tampa, Florida. She fluently speaks Albanian, Italian, French, Spanish and English. She is an Assistant Vice President at IBERIA BANK.
She has a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration and Health Administration from University of South Florida. She has devoted her time to our mission and focuses on protecting and aiding aging adults and women in our community. |
Sheniqua (Nicki) EwersMedia Content Creator
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Sheniqua (Nicki) Ewers was born in Houston, Texas, but raised in Saugerties, New York. She attended the School of Visual Art in Manhattan, New York receiving her bachelors in Graphic Design.
She owns an art studio along with her family. Her family has artwork displayed in the Stratford Public Library. “Graphic design is the skill to create an attractive piece that arranges, type, image and layout to convey a thought or a message to others. In other words, graphic design is our magazines, wedding invitations, birthday cards, brochures, business cards and more. It doesn’t have to be complicated. From the simple thank you cards to the bridal shower invites and the monthly newsletter for church anything can be done through graphic design. An illustration and a photo is a great compliment to graphic design which balances out the piece and makes it come alive.” -Sheniqua Ewers |
Merita Selmani
Art Director
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Born in Detroit, Michigan, she moved to New York after high school and graduated from Mercy College, acquiring her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
She fell in love with photography in high school and since then has loved the idea of creating messages, art and content through her lens. She is passionate about giving back to the community, especially in a creative way that can grab the attention of others. By creating content and messages for our foundation she hopes to inspire others to give back as well. She prioritizes the Foundation of Hope's content schedule, including producing videos, capturing community meetings and directing promotional content for the foundation, which caters to the underprivileged and at-risk community members. |